# Search the PDAP database

{% hint style="info" %}
[Visit our website](https://pdap.io) to use the search app.
{% endhint %}

This is our core feature, and will always be open to everyone.

Our database **makes it easier to find existing data**, enhancing our ability to answer questions and complete research projects about police systems. Ask a question → **search for data** → analyze and report.

## Search tips

* **Expect missing data.** Most of our data is passively collected based on the needs and interests of our users. If you're looking for a specific record from a small town, we probably don't have it documented yet. Make a request and we'll help you out!
* **Use the** [**Record Types taxonomy**](/about/data-dictionaries/record-types-taxonomy.md) to understand how we categorize things.

## Searching with API

You can also [use our API](/api/introduction.md) to browse the database.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.pdap.io/features/using-data.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.